The boat tipped over, and Jim Irwin was left struggling in the water. It was in the rapids just above the cataract—and poor Jim could not swim a stroke. Helpless, terrified, gasping, he floated to destruction, and Jennie Woodruff was not able to lift a hand to help him. To see any human being swept to such an end is dreadful, but for a county superintendent to witness the drowning of one of her best—though sometimes it must be confessed most insubordinate—teachers, under such circumstances, is unspeakable; and when that teacher is a young man who was once that county superintendent’s sweetheart, and falls in, clothed in a new made-to-order suit in which he looks almost handsome despite his manifest discomfort in his new cravat and starched collar, the experience is something almost And then Jim began to swim. He cast aside the roll of manuscript which he had held in his hand when the waters began to rise about him, and struck out for the shore with strong strokes—wild and agitated at first, but gradually becoming controlled and coordinated, and Jennie drew a long breath as he finally came to shore, breasting the waves like Triton, and master of the element in which he moved. There was a burst of applause, and people went forward to congratulate the greenhorn who had really made good. Jennie felt like throwing her arms about To Jennie’s agitated mind Jim had barely escaped being drowned in the ocean of his own unreadiness and confusion under trying conditions. And she was right. Jim had never felt more the upstart uneducated farm-hand than when he was introduced to that audience by Professor Withers, nor more completely disgraced than when he concluded his remarks. Even the applause was to him a kindly effort on the part of the audience to comfort him in his failure. His only solace was the look in Jennie’s eyes. “Young man,” said an old farmer who wore thick glasses and looked like a Dutch burgomaster, “I want to have a little talk with you.” “This is Mr. Hofmyer of Pottawatomie County,” said the dean of the college. “I’m glad to meet you,” said Jim. “I can talk to you now.” “No,” said Jennie. “I know Mr. Hofmyer will excuse you until after dinner. We have a little party for Mr. Irwin, and we shall be late if we don’t hurry.” “Where can I see you after supper?” asked Mr. Hofmyer. Easy it was to satisfy Mr. Hofmyer; and Jim was carried off to a dinner given by County Superintendent Jennie to Jim, the dean, Professor Withers, and one or two others—and a wonderfully select and distinguished company it seemed to Jim. Jennie seized a moment’s opportunity to say, “You did beautifully, Jim; everybody says so.” “I failed!” said. Jim. “You know I failed. I couldn’t remember my speech. I can’t stay here feasting. I want to get out in the snow.” “You made the best address of the meeting; and you did it because you forgot your speech,” insisted Jennie. “Does anybody else think so?” “Why, Jim! You must learn to believe in what you have done. Even Con Bonner says it was the best. He says he didn’t think you had it in ye!” This advice from her to “believe in what you have done,”—wasn’t there something new in Jennie’s attitude here? Wasn’t his belief in what he was doing precisely the thing which had made him such a nuisance to the county superintendent? However, Jim couldn’t stop “What does Professor Withers say?” he asked. “He’s delighted—silly!” “Silly!” How wonderful it was to be called “silly”—in that tone. “I shouldn’t have forgotten the speech if it hadn’t been for this darned boiled shirt and collar, and for wearing a cravat,” urged Jim in extenuation. “You ought to ’ve worn them around the house for a week before coming,” said Jennie. “Why didn’t you ask my advice?” “I will, next time, Jennie,” said Jim. “I didn’t suppose I needed a bitting-rig—but I guess I did!” Jennie ran away then to ask Nils Hansen and Bettina to join their dinner party. She had a sudden access of friendliness for the Hansens. Nils refused because he was going out to see the college herds fed; but at Jennie’s urgent request, reinforced by pats and hugs, Bettina consented. Jennie was very happy, and proved herself a beaming hostess. The dean |